Aboriginal Spirituality Practices, Rituals and Festivals

Native peoples have been in Canada longer than any other group. The Beginnings Native peoples have been in Canada longer than any other group. According to their traditions, Native Americans have always been here, ever since the beginning of time.

Each Native American group has its own Creation story to explain that group’s origins, which grew out of the experiences and folklore of the Native People themselves. Stories reflect their beliefs in the interrelationship of people, animals, and the natural environment.

Archaeological evidence supports a second theory that Aboriginal peoples migrated from Asia to North and South America by crossing a land bridge over the Bering Straight. Estimates as to when they first come to this continent vary widely. Ranging from 12 000 to over 70 000 years.

Today, Aboriginal peoples keep their spiritualism alive by participating in traditional festivals and by depicting their belief through their art and symbols. Some of their religious practices have become common to all Aboriginal peoples.

The Morning Dance

Around midday, a huge feast of meat and fish is served. Takes place every spring by the Ojibwa of southern Ontario, also known as the Wabeno. All fast and cleanse themselves before a male elder plays a drum and leads the dance in a clearing around a selected tree. As each dancer passes the tree, the drummer signals a dancer to touch the trunk to give thanks. Around midday, a huge feast of meat and fish is served.

The Sundance Ceremony Practiced differently by several North American Indian Nations, but many of the ceremonies have features in common, including dancing, singing and drumming, the experience of visions, fasting, and, in some cases, self-torture.

The buffalo, however, makes up the main theme of the Sun Dance The buffalo, however, makes up the main theme of the Sun Dance. Buffalo songs, dances, and feast commonly accompany the Sun Dance. The buffalo symbolized life, for it was the buffalo that gave them quality of life (food, clothing, shelter, utensils, toys). This relationship was praised and blessed with the Sun Dance.

The Potlach Ceremony Feasting, distributing wealth, sharing songs and dances are all part of the Potlach.

Celebrations take place in the Northwest Pacific Coast nations. The host gives a feast to celebrate an important event, e.g., wedding. The more wealth the host gives away, the more that person gains in status. Songs and dances are performed to honor the Great Spirit.

It is said to cleanse both the spiritual and physical body. The Sweat Lodge This celebration helps the great plains nations renew the soul and regain focus. It is said to cleanse both the spiritual and physical body.

Under the direction of the Shaman, the participants make a sauna-like construction. Hot stones, water sprinkled, then people crouch & crowd around the confined space; sweat profusely - ultimately cleansing the body physically and spiritually.

Smudging Ceremony One of the most popular Aboriginal rituals that includes the burning of sweet grass and drawing smoke ritually over the body. This helps to clear one’s thoughts, wash away impurities, and focus on a positive future.

The Vision Quest The Vision Quest is a ceremony common to most Aboriginal Religions. Celebrates an adolescents passage to adulthood. A young Aboriginal must confess his/her sins, fast, pray, camp alone, participate in a sweat lodge, all in the hopes of receiving a message or “vision” which will help give direction to their life.